Saltwater Concepts & Information

Live Rock - Live Rock has revolutionized the Saltwater Hobby and is the most important Complete Biological Filter Media and is invaluable in the total success of a natural Saltwater Aquarium. 1 – 2 pounds per gallon of Live Rock will offer the best and most complete Biological filter available.

High Intensity lighting – Saltwater Reef Aquariums require intense light and special spectrum bulbs. Reef Aquariums require Live Rock that harbor coral and other invertebrates that require intense light. Reef Saltwater Aquariums require a minimum of 1 watt per gallon of High Intensity Saltwater Lighting. The preferred lighting choices are Compact Fluorescent, T5 High Output or Metal Halide with a spectrum of 10000K and Blue Actinic for the best possible color rendition, Do not try to convert freshwater lights by using saltwater bulbs because the wattage per gallon is too low for most saltwater needs.

Intense Water Circulation - Saltwater Aquariums need intense water circulation, which is similar to the ocean reefs. Saltwater fish only aquariums require water pumps that turn the entire aquarium over a minimum of 10 to 20 times per hour. An example – a 60-gallon aquarium needs a pump or pumps that pump 600 to 1200 gallons per hour. Saltwater Reef Aquariums (including corals and anemones) require 30 to 40 times per hour. An example – a 60-gallon aquarium needs a pump or pumps that pump 1800 to 2400 gallons per hour. Do not try to use standard freshwater filtration or pumps for saltwater circulation. Freshwater Filters & Powerheads do not have the flow rate or design for saltwater and they use considerably more electricity.

Aggressive Mechanical Filtration - Saltwater requires excellant fitration to remove organic waste. Saltwater filtration should be designed to be cleaned easily and often in order to remove organic waste before it is converted by nitrifying bacteria into nitrates. Aggressive Mechanical Filtration should include Protein Skimmers or more regular water changes.

Patience & Education – Saltwater aquariums, especially Saltwater Reef Aquariums require 6 to 12 months to establish a stable biological cycle. This cycle along with all the beneficial microorganisms need time to establish and require slow gradual additions of fish and corals. The more patience shown when adding fish and corals and the slower this is done, the better chance for long term success. Patience is one of the most difficult things to do when first setting up a saltwater aquarium. Rushing the process of the nitrogen cycle and adding to many fish to soon can cost you money and the loss of fish and corals, so be patient and enjoy the Live Rock and the animals that will grow on and come out of it until your aquarium is stable. Education is fun and easy and just requires you to read and ask questions and learn about the animals that you will add to your aquarium. Being educated will save you money and will help you to educate others on how to have a successful Saltwater Aquarium.